The Arizona Department of Health Services is reporting more than 183,000 cases and 4,000 deaths of COVID-19 as of Thursday morning.

In Arizona, there are 183,647 cases and 4,002 deaths of the novel coronavirus, up 1,444 and 70 from Wednesday morning, respectively.

The number of cases could be far higher because many people have not been tested, and some can be infected without feeling sick.

Maricopa County shows a case rate of 2,765 cases per 100,000 residents, using 2019 population estimates. The state rate is 2,523. Santa Cruz County has the highest at 5,684 cases per 100,000 residents.

As of Thursday, Arizona had the lowest R-naught in the nation at 0.86. This is the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person. Less than 1.0 is ideal, officials say.

Arizona’s seven-day average for newly reported cases was 2,081.57 as of Tuesday, the lowest since June 19, according to tracking by the Associated Press. The seven-day average of newly reported deaths fell to 62.43, the lowest since July 14.

But the overall spread of the coronavirus in Arizona has gradually slowed amid requirements for face coverings and a statewide order closing businesses such as bars and gyms after Arizona emerged as a hotspot for COVID-19.

The number of Arizona hospital patients confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19 fell below 2,000 on Tuesday for the first time in more than six weeks, state health officials said. The total of 1,945 was the lowest since June 20

And the number of COVID-19 patients in ICU beds fell to 618, the fewest since June 24.

The coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough for most people. The vast majority of people diagnosed with COVID-19 recover.

But for some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness including pneumonia, and death.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.